Political Science

Department Chairperson: Dr.William Richardson
Director of Graduate Studies: Dr. Anthony Molina

Department of Political Science
Dakota Hall, Room 109
414 East Clark Street
Vermillion, SD 57069
Phone: 605-677-5242
http://www.usd.edu/polsci

Departmental Faculty

Professors:

Richard Braunstein, Ph.D., University of Colorado-Boulder. Specialization: American Politics, Ballot Issue Elections, Civil Rights and Liberties, Nonprofit Organizations, and Conflict Resolution and American Indian Studies.

Matthew C. Moen, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, Ph.D., University of Oklahoma. Specialization: American Politics, Congress, and State Legislatures.

William D. Richardson, Chair, Ph.D., University of New York-Buffalo. Specialization: Political Philosophy, American Politics, Leadership, and Ethics.

Michael P. Roche, S.J.D., University of Virginia. Specialization: Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, and Justice and Compassion.

Associate Professors:

Michael A. Card, Ph.D., Ohio State University. Specialization: Organizational Theory & Strategic Management, Public Policy & Management, Leadership, and State Government.

Matthew R. Fairholm, Ph.D., George Washington University. Specialization. Public Administration, Leadership Theory and Practice, Organization Theory and Behavior, and American Government.

Steven Feimer, D.P.A., Oklahoma University. Specialization: Public Administration, Research Methods, Environmental Law, and Geographical Information System.

Timothy J. Schorn, Ph.D. University of Notre Dame. J. D. Notre Dame Law School. Specialization: International Relations, Human Rights, Terrorism, and Middle East Politics.

Elizabeth T. Smith, Ph.D., University of Connecticut. Specialization: American Politics, Public Law, and Public Administration.

Assistant Professors:

Bryan Dettrey, Ph.D., University at Buffalo, SUNY. Specialization: Research Methods, Political Behavior, American Politics.

Eric Jepsen, Ph.D., University of New Mexico. Specialization: Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Economy, Democratization, Globalization, Latin American Politics, and South Asian Politics.

Cassandra McKeown, J.D., The University of South Dakota. Specialization: Criminal Justice, Constitutional Law, Negotiation and Client Counseling.

Anthony Molina, Director of Graduate Studies, Ph.D., Cleveland State University. Specialization: Public Administration, Political Philosophy, Ethics, Administrative Law, and Qualitative Research Methods.

Chad Newswander, Ph.D., Virginia Tech. Specialization: Power and Politics, Domestic Security Issues, Presidential Protection, Crisis Communication, and Constitutional Governance.

Shane Nordyke, Ph.D., Indiana University. Specialization: American Presidency, Public Policy, Policy Analysis, Research Methods, and Intergovernmental Relations.

Yumi Suzuki, Ph.D., University at Albany, SUNY. Specialization: Criminology, Victimology, Comparative Criminal Justice, and Race & Gender in Criminal Justice.

Degrees:

Graduate Certificate, Nonprofit Management
Master of Arts, Plan A and B
Master of Public Administration, Plan B only
Executive Masters in Public Administration
Master of Science, Administration
Doctor of Philosophy

Areas of Study:

Master of Arts (M.A.) (Emphases)
American Politics & Public Policy
Public Law
International Relations

Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) (Specialization)
Leadership Studies
State and Local Government Administration
Criminal Justice
Nonprofit Administration
Health Services Administration

Executive Master of Public Administration (E.M.P.A.)

Master of Science in Administration (M.S.A.) (Specializations)
Organizational Leadership
Human Resources
Health Services Administration
Long-Term Care Administration
Criminal Justice
Alcohol & Drug Addiction Studies
Interdisciplinary

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) (Emphases)
American Political Institutions
Public Policy and Administration

Program Description

The Department of Political Science offers the Master of Arts degree, Master of Science in Administration, the Master of Public Administration degree, the Executive Master of Public Administration degree, and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. The M.A. program gives students in Political Science the opportunity to undertake a more advanced study of the field. The MPA provides both a core program in administration and the opportunity to specialize in important policy-making and administrative areas. The Ph.D. program is designed to strengthen the knowledge and research competencies of candidates so they can advance understanding and explanation in the fields of political science, public policy and public administration.

Nonprofit Management Graduate Certificate

The Graduate Nonprofit Management Certificate will be offered as a 12 credit program.
Two courses will be required and a number of electives will be offered to complete a certificate candidates program of study. The selection of elective courses will be identified by the student in collaboration with the certificate program administrator.

Master of Arts in Political Science

Areas of Emphasis:

American Politics & Public Policy
Public Law
International Relations

Program Director: Anthony Molina, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Political Science.

Program Description

The Master of Arts in Political Science is designed for students who wish to gain in-depth knowledge of a specific field within Political Science. Through coursework within Political Science, research opportunities, and supporting coursework, recipients of the M.A. will be prepared for diverse careers or further study.

Admission Requirements

Three letters of recommendation.
Two official transcripts (if you are a graduate of USD, you may submit unofficial transcripts)
Graduate of a regionally accredited institution with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better, based on a 4.0 scale, is required for full admission.
The GRE General test scores are required. A GRE score of 500 verbal and 500 quantitative is recommended.
Applicants should have a minimum of 12 credit hours of undergraduate Political Science course work for admission into the IR program (recommended for other specializations).
An essay describing your desire to serve the public interest.
Graduate School application materials.
Additional requirements exist for international students.

- Admission is subject to a review of application materials and to faculty approvals; those who do not meet any of the criteria above may be admitted on a provisional basis.

Master of Public Administration

Specializations:

Leadership Studies
State and Local Government Administration
Nonprofit Administration
Criminal Justice
Health Services Administration

Program Director: Anthony Molina, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Political Science.

Program Description

Since September 1974, the Department of Political Science has offered the Master of Public Administration degree that provides both a core program in administration and the opportunity to specialize in important policy making and administrative areas. In the fall of 1997, the Regents established the W.O. Farber Center for Civic Leadership as a center of excellence. The Center is housed within the Department of Political Science and offers graduate civic leadership courses. The mission of the Center is to prepare students and help communities to face difficult public problems in a shared manner consistent with constitutional values. The MPA program is accredited by NASPAA. The EMPA is a separate degree program for mid-career professionals with at least 4 years of administrative experience.

Admission Requirements

Graduate of a regionally accredited institution with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better, based on a 4.0 scale, is required for full admission.
The GRE General test or LSAT scores are required. There is no minimum score required; the score is considered along with the other application materials.
An essay describing your desire to serve the public interest.
Graduate School application materials.
Additional requirements exist for international students.

- Admission is subject to a review of application materials and to faculty approval; those who do not meet the criteria above may be admitted on a provisional basis.

Executive Master of Public Administration

Program Director: Anthony Molina, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Political Science

Program Description

The Executive Master of Public Administration program will strengthen the knowledge and administrative competencies of candidates so that they may acquire an advanced understanding of administration in public and nonprofit organizations. Additionally, the program is designed to enhance leadership and collaboration in state and local government, as well as provide professional development and opportunities for advancement for people in federal, state, county, city, and tribal governments.

Admissions Requirements

Four years of progressively responsible work experience in a public agency or non-profit agency.
A current résumé.
500 word minimum statement of purpose
An undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education is a pre-requisite, but there is no admissions test or prerequisite course work required
Graduate School application materials
Additional requirements exist for international students.

Admission is subject to a review of application materials and to faculty approval; those who do not meet the criteria above may be admitted on a provisional basis.

For Additional Information

The University of South Dakota
Executive Master in Public Administration
Dakota Hall, Room 118
414 East Clark Street
Vermillion, SD 57069-2390
(605) 677-6405 or (888) 493-9256
http://www.usd.edu/msas

Master of Science in Administration

Areas of Specialization:

Organizational Leadership
Human Resources
Health Services Administration
Long-Term Care Administration
Criminal Justice
Alcohol & Drug Addiction Studies
Interdisciplinary

Program Director: Anthony Molina, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Political Science.

Program Description

This cross-disciplinary program provides the primary tools and organizational skills necessary to more effectively perform administrative roles. Course work focuses on the practical application of theory and developing an intellectual framework for analyzing and successfully addressing challenges associated with the administrative environment. This program values past work experience and benefits people from a variety of different backgrounds including health care, government, non-profit agencies, law enforcement, and social services.

The MSA program is designed for people currently in full-time employment. Therefore, course schedules are created around normal working hours. Further, the program is generally designed to allow students to take six hours of course work per semester (including summer). This enables students to complete the program within a two to three year period.

Admissions Requirements

Three years since receiving a baccalaureate degree.
Three years of professional/administrative work experience.
A current résumé.
An educational goals statement that outlines your educational and career goals, and explains the reasons you chose the Master of Science in Administration graduate degree to achieve your goals.
An undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education is a pre-requisite, but there is no admissions test or prerequisite course work required.
Graduate School application materials.
Additional requirements exist for international students.

Admission is subject to a review of application materials and to faculty approval; those who do not meet the criteria above may be admitted on a provisional basis.

For Additional Information

The University of South Dakota
Master of Science in Administration
Dakota Hall, Room 118
414 East Clark Street
Vermillion, SD 57069-2390
(605) 677-6405 or (888) 493-9256
http://www.usd.edu/msas

Doctor of Philosophy

Areas of Study:

American Political Institutions
Public Policy and Administration

Program Director: Anthony Molina, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Political Science.

Program Description

The program is designed to strengthen the knowledge and research competencies so they can advance understanding and explanation in the fields of political science, public policy and administration. The program is novel in that it is offered in both an executive format as well as a traditional residential program. For more information, please consult www.usd.edu/polsci. Graduates of the program are expected to pursue careers in academia, leadership positions in governmental agencies, and as policy analysts in the non-governmental and other sectors.

Admission Requirements

Three letters of recommendation.
Two official transcripts (if you are a graduate of USD, you may submit unofficial transcripts)
Graduate of a regionally accredited institution with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better, based on a 4.0 scale, is required for full admission. A 3.0 GPA in graduate work is also required of applicants with advanced degrees. Only applicants with advanced degrees in a related field are eligible for admission.
The GRE General test is required. The score is considered along with the other application materials. Students who have a previous graduate/professional degree may request a waiver of this requirement.
An essay describing your desire to purse the Ph.D. in Political Science.
Graduate School application materials.
Additional requirements exist for international students.

Admission is subject to a review of application materials and to faculty approval; those who do not meet any of the criteria above may be admitted on a provisional basis.

Research Facilities

The I.D. Weeks Library is a United States Government Depository Library and, as such, receives all important U.S. Government documents. In addition, the library receives many state publications. A special United Nations document collection is also maintained. Interlibrary loan facilities are available. Graduate students have access to the library of the School of Law and the extensive pamphlet and newspaper collections of the Government Research Bureau.